Kirti Vardhan Singh Advocates for Tangible Benefits at Commonwealth Meeting

London, March 9: The Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting took place on March 8 in London. During this meeting, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh participated in a ministerial retreat. He emphasized the need for a reformed Commonwealth that delivers real benefits to its member nations.

In a post on the social media platform X, Singh stated, “During my first official visit to the UK, I participated in the CFMM26 ministers’ retreat at Lancaster House. The Commonwealth should be future-ready and provide tangible benefits to member countries.” He also highlighted the needs of the Global South, discussing digital public infrastructure, AI for development, disaster resilience, and economic cooperation.

During the meeting, Singh and other leaders took a family photo at the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ gathering. He shared this photo on social media, describing it as a symbol of unity and shared purpose, reflecting a commitment to strengthen cooperation and dialogue among Commonwealth nations.

Singh arrived in London on Saturday to attend the meeting, where he was welcomed by Vikram Doraiswami, India’s High Commissioner to the UK.

The Indian High Commission in the UK announced on social media that Singh is in London for the CFMM26 and the Commonwealth Day reception. He will also hold bilateral meetings with ministers from other countries.

During his visit, Singh will participate in the Commonwealth Day celebrations in London. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 countries, serving as a crucial platform for enhancing India’s engagement with member states, particularly small states and small island developing states (SIDS). Singh is expected to meet with Commonwealth leadership and counterparts from several member states. Currently, Samoa holds the chair-in-office of the Commonwealth.

Following his UK trip, Singh will visit Chile from March 10 to 12, where he will represent the Indian government at the inauguration ceremony of newly elected President José Antonio Kast. He is also expected to meet with outgoing President Gabriel Boric Font and new Foreign Minister José Francisco Pérez Mackenna.